THE food bank in Wellington is helping more people than ever and expects to be busy in the run up to Christmas.

Manager Clare Lucker says the service, based at the United Reformed Church in Mantle Street, has served nearly a third more food boxes so far this year than last.

The food bank was set up in the town more than five years ago and the town’s doctors’ surgeries, churches and others give clients vouchers to use it.

Clare said: “We have seen an increase in the need in our area every year since the food bank opened and this year is no exception.

“January to October has seen us fulfil 30 per cent more vouchers than the same period last year and feed 546 people from our local community.”

The food bank is run by the Trussell Trust, a Christian charity set up in 1997, and is a satellite of Taunton’s food bank.

Clare added: “As we approach the Christmas season our thoughts are very much with those in the community who are perhaps dreading the expense of forthcoming festivities and are worried about how they will feed their families over the festive holiday and into 2019.”

Sue Weightman, the manager in Taunton, says the highest percentage of clients are struggling with low income or delays in benefits payments.

Clients can also be off work on long-term sickness or a change in circumstances can mean they need the food bank, but most only need the service once or twice.

Sue said: “At this time of year, when people need to put on the heating, we usually see a steady increase in clients – and we shall see an increase at Christmas, certainly from families.

“When children are at home on school holidays, they are not getting school meals, and parents are feeding their youngsters more.”

The food bank does not receive any government funding or help with rent but Sue said support from the community in Taunton Deane was ‘incredible’, which is not always the case in other places she visits around the country.

Wellington has food donation points in Waitrose, the Co-op and the One Stop shop in High Street, and now Christmas-related goods – as long as they are tinned or dried – would be especially welcomed until Thursday, December 20.

Sue added: “I think when the Trussell Trust was set up it was thought to be a temporary measure but unfortunately probably every town in Great Britain now has a food bank. I think food banks are here to stay.”

The food bank at Wellington is open on Monday and Thursday from 3-4pm. Taunton food bank is open Tuesday and Friday 2-4pm.

The volunteer rota is in a healthy state at the moment but anyone who would like to volunteer can express an interest through the food bank website.

A new food bank is set to be launched at the United Reformed Church in Wiveliscombe. It will open on Wednesday, November 28, from 2-4pm and run weekly.